Green card holders applying for U.S. citizenship are required to demonstrate good moral character (GMC), a key eligibility criterion under U.S. immigration law.

Recent updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have expanded the factors officials consider when evaluating applicants, emphasizing both past conduct and positive contributions to society.

Newsweek spoke to two immigration experts about what it means to have "good moral character."

Why It Matters

On August 15, USCIS issued a memorandum directing officers to adopt a "totality of circumstances" approach in assessing GMC. Officials are instructed to review not only criminal history but also attributes such as community involvement, family responsibilities, educational achievements, employment history, lengt

See Full Page